Central Pain Syndrome

Central pain syndrome is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder arising from lesions or dysfunction of the central nervous system, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Patients experience persistent burning, aching, or shooting pain, often associated with sensory abnormalities. Pathophysiology involves maladaptive plasticity, disinhibition, and abnormal central processing of nociceptive input. Diagnosis is clinical, aided by neuroimaging to identify causative lesions. Management is challenging, encompassing pharmacologic therapy (anticonvulsants, antidepressants), neuromodulation, and multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation; prognosis is variable, with many patients experiencing chronic disability.